Syria arrivals surge 111% as government bets on tourism revival The country welcomed 3.52 million visitors during the first half of 2026, more than double the figure recorded a year earlier, as the government pushes to reconnect to the world and promote tourism as a pillar of economic recovery. Syria
Syria seizes arms shipment on Iraq border destined for Hezbollah The operation comes as part of the Syrian authorities' efforts to curb illicit arms smuggling through its territory, namely intended for Hezbollah. Lebanon
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran declares 'existential war' as US strikes reach near Tehran By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Syria, US hold first business forum since sanctions relief: What to know The one-day forum in Damascus was organized by Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry and the US-Syria Business Council, which was established in Washington last June to advance trade and investment between the two nations. Syria
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Kremlin confirms S-400 talks with Turkey By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Iran hits Gulf, warns Hormuz will reopen on its terms By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Russia Still Key to Syrian Transition Fyodor Lukyanov analyzes Russia's role in a political transition in Syria, including President Assad’s proposal for dialogue with moderate opposition leaders. Syria
Armed Syrian Opposition Enables Assad's Hold on Power Tulin Daloglu reports on how the armed opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has hindered efforts for a political solution in Syria. Syria
Syrian Refugee Wave Washes Over Egypt The Syrian refugee crisis has spilled over into countries farther from the fighting, as tens of thousands seek refuge in Egypt and other North African countries, Ben Gittleson reports from Cairo. Egypt
Assad Speech Reportedly to Propose Settlement Initiative for Syria Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad reportedly will soon, in coming days, offer a new proposal to resolve the crisis in Syria, writes Jean Aziz. Lebanon
Turkey's Sectarian War With Iran Over Syria and Iraq Semih Idiz examines the evolution of the sectarian conflict between Turkey and Iran over Iraq and Syria. Syria
Syria’s Alawites Under Siege Ali Hashem reports from Damascus on Syria’s Alawite community and the sectarian conflict there. Syria
More Uncertainty on Turkey’s Eastern Flank in 2013 Turkey can expect more problems in dealing with both Iraq and Syria in 2013, writes Semih Idiz. Syria
NATO Patriot Missiles Show Turkey's Military Weakness Kadri Gursel writes that Turkey's request for NATO Patriot missiles reveals its lack of capacity and few other options to handle regional threats. Syria
Syria’s Future Is Vengeance Shlomi Eldar writes that post-Assad Syria will be a vast campaign of retaliation. Israel
Turkey Will Pay a High Price After Assad By throwing its lot completely with Syria’s Muslim Brotherhood, Turkey will sustain costs whether Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stays or goes, writes Kadri Gursel. Syria
Turkey Prepares for Life After Its Syrian Quagmire Cengiz Çandar writes that Turkey is counting down the last days of the Bashar al-Assad regime and in delight and relief. Syria
Hezbollah Plans to Aid Displaced Syrians As the year-end holidays approach, Hezbollah reportedly plans to donate food and blankets to Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Nasser Chararah reports. Lebanon
